College Basketball: Bello to suit up for DCCC

Sadeeq Bello has signed to play point guard at Davidson County Community College.

HIGH POINT —

Davidson County Community College basketball coach Matt Ridge has a knack for finding ultra-quick point guards with well-rounded games. He landed another top flight floor general last week in High Point.
Sadeeq Bello (5'8”) has signed his letter of intent to play for the Storm in the fall. If not for an unfortunate injury, Bello would likely be suiting up for a four-year program.
In the third game last season, Bello went in for a reverse layup and made it. But on his way down, the Wildcat guard landed wrong and tore his MCL. His road to recovery would be a long one.
“That night was rough because I knew it was a serious injury,” Bello said. “I just started rehabbing and people had faith in me and gave me confidence. I just started pushing harder in rehab to get back.”
Prior to the injury he had interest from VMI, Furman, Clayton State, UT-Martin and Wofford, but they backed away due to the injury occurring in his senior season. Ridge recognized the talent that he is and stepped in to offer him a place to play.
“He makes his teammates better and it is extremely difficult of opponents to keep him in front,” said Ridge. “He can shoot it from deep and seems to have a chip on his shoulder. I expect big things from this young man.”
Bello is appreciative of this opportunity and hopes his time at a junior college like DCCC will help him get those offers again from four-year programs.
“I did not think anybody was going to believe in me, but Coach Ridge did and I am thankful,” said Bello.
When healthy, Bello is explosive and his handle of the basketball is exceptional. He can also play above the rim despite his size. During his junior year with Westchester, he averaged 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. He was an all-conference performer his sophomore and junior seasons, and was a member of the 2011 team that won the NCISAA 2-A state championship.
“Where he will separate himself at the college level is being able to get into the paint,” said Westchester head coach Dagan Nelson. “It is going to be difficult for people to keep him in front of them. He has some things that you cannot teach. Now that his knee is close to 100 percent, he is going to be a problem for a lot of people.”

Sports Editor Zach Kepley can be reached at 888-3631, or kepley@tvilletimes.com.